INCLUSION CHARTER TO WELCOMING AND

The Inclusion Charter for York Region is a community initiative that brings together businesses, community

organizations, municipalities, police services, hospitals, school boards, conservation authorities and agencies

with a common commitment to create an inclusive environment with equality for all who work, live and play

here. Together our organizations share the vision of York Region as a welcoming and inclusive community

where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society

and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination.

The Charter reflects an evolving approach in support of existing federal and provincial legislation that promotes

human rights and accessibility. By endorsing this Charter we affirm our commitment to inclusion, whereby all

people feel they belong and have access to the same opportunities.

INCLUSIONCHARTER

OUR COMMITMENT

TO WELCOMING AND

INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES

CENTRE FOR IMMIGRANT AND COMMUNITY SERVICESTogether with other participating organizations, Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS) is committed to taking action to achieve the vision of the Charter in our organization and in the community. CICS celebrates York Region’s growing and diverse population as a source of strength, vitality and economic opportunity. Our commitment to inclusion enhances our ongoing work to facilitate the settlement and integration of newcomers as contributing members of our community through our diverse, professional, and excellent customer services.

Endorsed by:Tim Cheng

Chair, Board of DirectorsMoy Wong-Tam

Executive Director

This 16th day of May, 2018.

Atlanta










INCLUSIONCHARTER

OUR COMMITMENT

TO WELCOMING AND


THE CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATIONThe Canadian Mental Health Association York Region and South Simcoe Branch is committed to improving the mental health and well-being of those we serve and our communities. We value cultural competency as a critical element in providing the best service and work experience. We foster diversity and inclusion grounded in anti-racism and anti-oppression practices using a harm reduction and trauma informed lens.

• We demonstrate respect for each other, those we serve and their families and caregivers, through partnership, accountability and action.

• We build community by nurturing inclusivity with the belief that diversity is our strength, drives innovation and creates the conditions for better mental health.

• We commit to action to ensure everyone’s right to belong by embracing our individuality and identities and by valuing each persons’ unique strength and contributions.

Endorsed by:Monica Gaudry

President of the Board Rebecca Shields

CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association York Region Branch

This 29th day of October, 2018.

Atlanta










INCLUSIONCHARTER

OUR COMMITMENT

TO WELCOMING AND


JOB SKILLSTogether with other participating organizations, Job Skills is committed to taking action to achieve the vision

of the Charter in our organization and in the community.

Job Skills commits to creating an open, inclusive and supportive environment for all Clients, Partners, Volunteers

and Staff, where every person has the right to be treated in a respectful, equal, dignified and equitable manner.

We pledge to respect and welcome the unique characteristics and perspectives that make each individual who

they are. We are dedicated to providing meaningful and equitable opportunities for Volunteers and Staff.

We will ensure all Clients and Partners have full and equal access to our Programs and Services and feel

welcome to participate. Job Skills celebrates and values differences and believes that diversity and inclusion is

the key to service delivery excellence and achieving our mission of creating a more vibrant community.

Job Skills – Diverse and Inclusive to All

Endorsed by:Nella Iasci

Executive DirectorWayne Thiessen

Chairperson

This 4th day of December, 2018.

Atlanta










INCLUSIONCHARTER

OUR COMMITMENT

TO WELCOMING AND


BLUE DOORTogether with other participating organizations, Blue Door is committed to taking action to achieve the vision of the Charter in our organization and in the community. At Blue Door, we embrace the diversity of our clients, staff, volunteers, funders and donors. As an organization, our Board, staff and volunteers reflect the diversity of our community. We strive to provide inclusivity for all, in every aspect of our work. We recognize and are committed to eliminating the stigma that is associated with being homeless. Blue Door values diversity and equity and seeks to promote fair treatment for all. To that end the Agency is committed to providing services that celebrate diversity and which promote equality of opportunity. As an employer, we are also committed to equity and valuing diversity within our workforce. Our goal is to ensure that these commitments, reinforced by our values, are embedded in our day to day working practices with our clients, colleagues and partners.

Endorsed by:Michael Braithwaite

CEOAmanda Palermo

HR Manager

This 5h day of September, 2019.

Atlanta










INCLUSIONCHARTER

OUR COMMITMENT

TO WELCOMING AND


CHATS – COMMUNITY & HOME ASSISTANCE TO SENIORSTogether with other participating organizations, CHATS – Community & Home Assistance to Seniors is committed to supporting York Region’s Inclusion Charter to make York Region an inclusive environment for all. We strive to be an organization that demonstrates empathy and respect in everything we do. We value creativity, accountability and collaboration in our efforts to be an innovative and valued partner in the healthcare system. Through the delivery of high-quality home and community services and experiences to our diverse client base, we work to support our organizational vision that older adults can live independently, safely and well at home.

Endorsed by:Christina Bisanz

CEOIan Hilley

Board Chair

This 25h day of September, 2019.

Atlanta










INCLUSIONCHARTER

OUR COMMITMENT

TO WELCOMING AND


THE YMCA OF GREATER TORONTOTogether with other participating organizations, the YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to taking action to achieve the vision of the Charter in our Association and in the community.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto values diversity and social inclusion as the foundation of what we stand for and what we do. We regard the diversity of people and communities as assets and recognize their contribution to the social, political and cultural enrichment of our communities and our Association. As a socially inclusive charity, we strive to ensure that diverse individuals and communities give voice effectively to their issues, are involved in decision-making processes and have fair access to information and services. We also challenge specific forms of exclusion, including systemic barriers. We appreciate that our work on diversity and social inclusion is a lifelong journey of learning and change.

Endorsed by:Medhat Mahdy

President and CEORyan Brain Board Chair

This 1st day of November, 2019.

Atlanta










INCLUSIONCHARTER

OUR COMMITMENT

TO WELCOMING AND


THE JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY OF YORK REGIONTogether with other participating organizations, The John Howard Society of York Region (JHSYR) is committed to taking action to achieve the vision of the Charter in our organization and in the community. JHSYR strives to promote effective, just, and humane treatment for all we engage with. Our core values position us to build programs that meet the varied needs of a growing diverse population; attract and retain the best talent; and foster progressive and responsible leadership.

Endorsed by:Christin Cullen

Executive Director

This 24th day of October 2019.

Effective, Just & Humane Responses to Crime, its Causes and Consequences

Atlanta










INCLUSIONCHARTER

OUR COMMITMENT

TO WELCOMING AND


THE CENTRE FOR EDUCATION & TRAININGTogether with other participating organizations, The Centre for Education & Training is committed to taking action

to achieve the Charter’s vision in our organization and community we serve. The Centre for Education & Training is

committed to diversity and creating opportunities that empower people to achieve their full potential. We invite

client input; we recruit for skills, talent, and diverse perspectives; and we build a workplace and client service

atmosphere of respect and encouragement for all. Through our policies, practices and professional development,

we aim to increase awareness and reduce barriers so we can contribute to more innovative communities.

Endorsed by:Merv Hillier

Chief Executive Officer

This 16th day of July, 2019.

Atlanta










INCLUSIONCHARTER

OUR COMMITMENT

TO WELCOMING AND


NEWMARKET PUBLIC LIBRARYTogether with other participating organizations, Newmarket Public Library is committed to taking action to

achieve the vision of the Charter in our organization and community.

Newmarket Public Library commits to nurturing and embracing diversity in creating an environment for

extraordinary public service. The library promotes equity, accessibility, and inclusion through our thoughts and

actions in support of our growing community. The Charter positions us to build our community together by

inspiring the growth of an engaged and informed Newmarket as the centre of community dialogue, debate

and discovery in dynamic and welcoming physical and virtual environments.

Endorsed by:Darcy McNeill

ChairTodd Kyle

Chief Executive Officer

This 20th day of November, 2019.

Atlanta










INCLUSIONCHARTER

OUR COMMITMENT

TO WELCOMING AND


SOCIAL ENTERPRISE FOR CANADATogether with other participating organizations, Social Enterprise of Canada is committed to taking action

to achieve the vision of the Charter in our organization and in the community. Social Enterprise for Canada

envisions a community that exemplifies Canadian values, where all people realize their full potential, and have

the opportunity to belong in and contribute to a prosperous and inclusive society.

To this end, Social Enterprise for Canada together with other organizations is committed to the delivery of

critical public services to achieve the vision of the Charter and to continue to promote diversity as a source of

strength, vitality and economic opportunity.

Endorsed by:Patricia Cousins

CEO


Social Enterprise for Canada Atlanta










INCLUSIONCHARTER

OUR COMMITMENT

TO WELCOMING AND


CATHOLIC COMMUNITY SERVICES OF YORK REGIONTogether with other participating organizations, CCSYR is committed to taking action to achieve the vision of

the Charter in our organization and in the community. CCSYR acknowledges and accepts the rights and dignity

of every individual, practicing mutual respect in all we do.

CCSYR believes in serving people from diverse communities with sensitivity and care; ensuring everyone feels

respected, valued and appreciated. CCSYR acknowledges and respects diversity, loving our neighbor and

recognizing that together we create a better world.

Endorsed by:Gary Thompson

Board ChairTracey McGruthers Executive Director

This 29th day of September, 2020.

Atlanta










INCLUSIONCHARTER

OUR COMMITMENT

TO WELCOMING AND


YORK REGION ARTS COUNCILTogether with other participating organizations, York Region Arts Council (YRAC) is committed to taking action

to achieve the vision of the Charter in our organization and in the community.

At YRAC, we believe that equity, diversity and inclusivity are integral to a thriving arts and culture sector.

We are committed to increasing and improving diversity and inclusion in the arts, culture and tourism programs

and services sector, including access for under-served communities. Further, we are committed to ensuring that

governance and decision-making structures reflect the diverse communities that we serve.

Endorsed by:April Hoeller

ChairSergei Petrov

Executive Director


Atlanta










INCLUSIONCHARTER

OUR COMMITMENT

TO WELCOMING AND


YORK UNIVERSITYYork University, alongside York Region and its partners, is committed to building a community that is equitable

and inclusive for all. Our vision is to provide a broad sociodemographic of students access to a high-quality

education at a research-intensive university committed to creating positive change in the communities we

serve. An exceptionally diverse community working together to tackle complex societal challenges, we commit

to take action to remove systemic barriers, celebrate the diversity of our community and to confront racism and

discrimination by building and actioning a pan-university Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy to attract and

retain the best talent, and to inform our scholarship, research and creative activities.

Endorsed by:Rhonda L. Lenton

President and Vice-Chancellor


Atlanta










INCLUSIONCHARTER

OUR COMMITMENT

TO WELCOMING AND


NEWMARKET CHAMBER OF COMMERCEThe Newmarket Chamber of Commerce embraces the vision of the Charter in our organization. We believe in the benefits that diversity and equity bring and recognize that diversity of thought contributes to the formation of a strong organization. This is exemplified by:

• Nurturing a community where every individual is treated in a respectful, equitable, and inclusive manner;

• Valuing a diversity of voices and seeing the benefit that they contribute to creativity and innovation within the business community;

• Supporting organizations and businesses in addressing discrimination to foster a community where people feel welcome and are encouraged to contribute;

• Continuing to learn, promote, and educate our business community about the positive benefits of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our commitment to promote these principles and to diligently act to effect change is unwavering. Embracing diversity in our organization and our community will help strengthen our ability to uphold our vision of a community where people and business thrive.

Endorsed by:Tracy Walter

President and CEOKyle Burgis, LL.B.

Chair

This 21st day of April, 2021.

Atlanta

Documents

INCLUSION CHARTER TO WELCOMING AND